Explore London

Discover useful information on all areas of London including area guides, Land Registry sold price data and council tax bands. Explore comprehensive resources for everyone from first time buyers to experienced investors.

Five affordable areas for first time buyers

It was revealed recently that first time buyers in London can expect to pay £400,000 on average for a property.* But, despite the financial challenges that anyone getting on to the property ladder in the capital faces, the number of first time buyers is increasing, up 7.9% year-on-year, latest Land Registry statistics show.**

First time buyers have been encouraged to go for it partly by the government’s London-specific Help to Buy scheme, but also by their discovery of lesser-known, more affordable areas of the capital to buy in. Here’s five we think are worth a look.

Catford SE6

Where is it? Straddling the South Circular between Forest Hill and Eltham.

In a nutshell? Plans are afoot to pump money into Catford’s town centre and Broadway but already signs of regeneration are afoot including several new homes developments completed or under construction. There are two railway stations and talk of the Bakerloo line arriving.

Where is it? In South London between Crystal Palace and Croydon in the London borough of Bromley.

In a nutshell? A largely Victorian-era suburb served by trains into London and trams into Croydon with a lively high street and a country park. Popular areas include South Norwood Hill, Beaulieu Heights and the streets near Norwood Junction station.

In a nutshell? A largely Victorian and Edwardian-era railway suburb with a bucolic feel with a train station (New Southgate) plus Bounds Green tube station nearby. Sought after areas include Princess Park Manor, a converted Victorian hospital formerly home to several members of One Direction, and adjacent Friern Village.

Where is it? Between Shepherd’s Bush and Ealing on the Uxbridge Road. It’s split into several distinct areas; East, West, North and central Acton plus Gunnersbury Park.

In a nutshell? This former industrial area has long been Ealing’s less regarded neighbour but that’s all changing, fast. The area has three train stations and two tube stations that bear its name as well as a gorgeous Victorian park.

Where is it? Down the hill from Crystal Palace in soth east London, within the borough of Bromley.

In a nutshell? A Victorian-era railway suburb with good Southern and Overground links into central, north and east London. The Croydon tram stop also swings through on its way to Beckenham Junction. The popular roads are either those to the east of Anerley Station or further towards Crystal Palace including Thicket Road and Anerley Park.

In house team London Property Market

As the marketing and communications team at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward's head office, our aim is to keep you updated and informed where the London property market is concerned. In addition, we'll bring you tips on navigating current issues and trends in the market when buying, selling, letting and renting to ensure that whatever field you're interested in, you'll be completely informed.

You have been very professional and responsive throughout, able to facilitate the transaction correctly plus add lots of value as the key intermediary - a role that you fully understand.

Ian J - Buyer

Thanks for being so efficient and helpful, and most of all for very quickly identifying what we were looking for and finding the perfect place.

Abi and Matt G - Buyer

You have always been very professional and reliable with a real sense of genuineness and care for your client, which is invaluable (and rare in my experience). It has been a pleasure having you as my estate agent and I would certainly recommend you to anyone buying or selling a property.

Yuki B - Buyer

You’ve been the best and more than we could have asked for. Thank you for being patient and letting us know about your properties.

Pilar & Joe - Buyer

You were helpful, friendly and professional at all times. We were delighted with the service we received was KFH and are now very happy in our new home.